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Since the first rail tracks connected Chicago to lead mines in northwest Illinois in 1848, the state has served as one of North America's vital railroad hubs. Nonprofit railway organizations across the state preserve the legacy by providing pleasure and educational train excursions through scenic Illinois landscapes. Modern rail trips departing daily from Chicago blend the historic travel mode with opportunity to connect to America's prized natural treasures and destination cities.

Ride the Rails in Monticello

Ride through the scenic central Illinois countryside on a rail system dating back to the 1870s. Travel past cornfields, forests and urban scenes and rumble across a wooden trestle bridge. The not-for-profit, all-volunteer Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello offers 45-minute train rides between April and December. Board at the classic Nelson Crossing train depot at the museum for a journey pulled by a vintage diesel or steam locomotive. A schedule of special events engages train enthusiasts of all ages. Throttle Days during weekends in April and November puts you in the engineer's seat. The Fireworks Special provides rides from Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello to Lodge Park for Independence Day fireworks shows. December's Lunch With Santa kicks off the holidays with a family ride through the snowy countryside and offers opportunity to share wish lists with Old Saint Nick.

Experience a Moving Museum

Travel back in time at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. Billed as America's largest train museum, the facility preserves an extensive collection of vintage railroad artifacts. While museum barns are individually dedicated to collections of electric trains, passengers and trolley cars, this is a museum on the move. Ride through the surrounding scenic countryside April through December on old-time steam, electric or diesel trains. Special events include September's Museum Showcase, in which seldom used historic engines, coaches and cabooses once again travel the rails. October's Terror on the Railroad provides a haunting experience. In December, Santa joins the ride for the Happy Holiday Railway event.

Rumble Through Northern Illinois

The Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad route highlights northern Illinois pastoral farmlands. Experience the view from a railroad bridge towering 30 feet over Yellow Creek during the more than 3-mile rumble along the steam line. A 36-ton Heisler locomotive powers the train, and a caboose considered the oldest in the state brings up the rear. The step back to the past begins at the ticket window of Silver Creek Depot, a replica of the Illinois Central Depot in Eleroy, Illinois. Ride the Silver Creek and Stephenson rails on weekends and holidays May through October. Each year a date is reserved for guests wishing to take over train controls.

Enjoy a Multi-Day Rail Adventure

Amtrak cross-country rail trips depart daily from Chicago. Routes travel past some of America's most scenic landscapes. The Lake Shore Limited travels along Lake Michigan's southern shores, past the Erie Canal, the New York Finger Lakes area and on to Boston. Many rail fans consider the California Zephyr route from Chicago to San Francisco the most beautiful rail excursion in North America. Departing from the Windy City, the Zephyr passes the Illinois stations of Naperville, Princeton and Galesburg before heading westward to Colorado, the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevadas, past western rivers and lakes, Salt Lake City and Reno. Passengers can also book a roomette or a sleeping car bedroom for Zephyr's 51-hour journey.

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About the Author

Sally Barber is a 20-year veteran of the publishing industry. A specialist in business, travel, sustainable tourism and the environment, she has written for Virgin Atlantic Airways, the "Detroit Free Press," "Great Lakes Seaway Review" and various websites. Barber is also the author of three books.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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